Hotel Raya

Wonderfully imagined and brought to life by owners Myriam Beltrami and Paolo Tilche, the Raya is a boutique gem of a hotel with views that stretch across the diminutive island of Panarea and out into the extraordinary archipelago of volcanic islands known as the Aeolian.

All the islands that make up the chain are off the beaten track of European travel, many uninhabited and wild, accessible only by boat, or helicopter from the Sicilian North coast. Panarea gleams in the sunshine, white cubic houses, beautifully designed, a life on the water with easy days in warm sunshine, the prickly pears and bougainvillea contrast against the cobalt blue waters with the impressive cone of Stromboli in the distance.

These proud North Sicilian islands produce delicious organic wine, mouth-wateringly ripe tomatoes, copious quantities of famed, green capers and are lucky enough to dwell in some of the most deliciously temperate of Mediterranean seas. The islands are unspoilt, the season satisfyingly long and swimming stretches all the way through October.

The hotel is spread out over the hillside of the village into three separate parts; Raya Alto, Raya Basso and Raya Peppe Maria. The style is typical whitewashed Mediterranean and is perfectly in tune with the environs on the exterior. Inside, rooms are simple yet elegantly furnished with splashes of colour on the bedspreads to contrast with white walls.

Raya Alto offers 29 rooms with large terraces that look out over the sea towards Vulcano and

the islets that encircle the island. The small bar here provides an excellent à la carte breakfast.

Raya Basso is less than five minutes’ walk down the hill from Raya Alto, just over 100 metres from the sea as the crow flies. 

Within the Raya Basso house are five comfortably furnished rooms on the upper floor, each with a splendid terrace. Two have sea views and three face the hillside. The ground floor level is home to Myriam’s boutique shop with her collection of beautiful fabrics, furniture, antiques and other beautiful items.

Raya Peppe Maria, is the waterside area of the hotel and is home to the reception as well as the bar, restaurant and a nightclub in the peak of the season. From 6pm until 9pm, the highest terrace is the place to be for an aperitif whilst admiring the everchanging colours as the sun sets in this glorious location. Dinner is served from 9pm until midnight on a stunning terrace overlooking the sea. All dishes on the menu is the restaurant are created using 100% organic and biodynamic produce from cooperatives.

In addition there is a gorgeous pool area set into in the hillside which also offers a small geothermal pool. Given the hotel is spread out on a hill, there is certainly ample opportunity to burn off some calories!

A stay here on Panarea at Hotel Raya is truly an escape from a busy world and a full immersion into the relaxed Mediterranean island lifestyle.